Jolyn,

The assistance dogs for PD are relatively new.  The dog's function is (1)to
help the Parkinson patient "unfreeze" by touching or stepping lightly on
the patient - usually on the foot, (2) provide stability for the patient
when the patient has balance difficulty, and (3) provide help in getting up
[the command is "brace" for my dog].  As you may guess from the functions,
the dog must be a relatively large breed or mixture.  My dog is a mixed
breed from the SPCA dog pound.  The shelter assured me he [Harley] was
fully grown.  They lied!  He is strong and weighs about 80 - 85 pounds.
That is probably about minimum size for a fellow my size (216 lbs., 6' 1/2"
tall).

Training may be done by professionals - such as the people at Chad's Ford,
PA - or by the owner with help and advice from regular dog trainers.  I
enrolled Harley in the basic obedience class run by the local kennel club -
and gave him homework to do in addition to the usual obedience school
curriculum.

Will

Will Johnnston
A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres.
4049 Oakland School Road
Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110

----------
From: Jolyn Rickard <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Parkinson trained dog
Date: Wednesday, September 29, 1999 7:03 PM

Greetings List,

My mother saw the Leher Newshour last night and was fascinated by the Dog
that can help Parkinson's patients.  My father is a PWP and is retired on
disability, but not requiring constant supervision.  We feel he could
greatly benefit from this special companion.  Can anyone point me towards
more information?

Best Regards,
Jolyn


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let all the upright in heart praise him!"  Psalm 64:10

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